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 Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Office of Greenways & Trails
Connections Newsletter
Summer 2010 |
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Welcome to the Summer 2010 Edition of Connections! |
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VISITFLORIDA.com to Launch New Trails-Tourism Website in October
 On October 4, highlighting the opening of Florida Greenways and Trails Month, an important event will take place that will dramatically advance Florida's trails and provide invaluable travel planning information to Florida's visitors. VISIT FLORIDA, the Sunshine State's official tourism marketing corporation, will launch a new component of VISITFLORIDA.com exclusively dedicated to Florida's trails. Rising to the ranks of traveler destinations such as beaches, resorts, golf courses and themed attractions, trails will now be featured for Florida visitors and residents to include in their vacation plans. This new section of the VISIT FLORIDA website will bring together trail descriptions and maps with information about lodging, restaurants, outfitters and other travel related services.
VISIT FLORIDA is responsible for promoting one of the most popular visitor destinations in the world with one of the largest tourism economies -- an estimated $65 billion was spent by Sunshine State visitors in 2008. Being elevated to a featured component on Florida's official tourism website indicates the significance of trails to Florida tourism.
At its debut, the new full-featured trail section of VISITFLORIDA.com will launch with over 100 trails, but this will be just the beginning. OGT and VISIT FLORIDA plan to expand the website over time to include a wide range of trails throughout the state. If you are interested in submitting a trail to be included on the website, please contact Heather Pence (heather.pence@dep.state.fl.us) in the Office of Greenways & Trails for complete criteria and submission instructions. New submissions will be added to the site after the October launch. In the meantime, look for more information about this exciting launch in the next issue of Connections and on FloridaGreenwaysAndTrails.com. |
| __________________________________________________________________________________________ | Three Florida State Trails Named As National Recreation Trails
State Trails are recognized for local and regional significance
Three State Trails managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Office of Greenways & Trails have joined an elite list of more than 1000 trails across the United States that are deemed exemplary for their local and regional significance. This year's National Recreation Trail (NRT) designations, as announced by the U.S. Department of Interior on National Trails DayŽ, June 5, 2010, included the Blackwater Heritage State Trail (Santa Rosa County), the Nature Coast State Trail (Dixie, Gilchrist and Levy counties) and the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail (Leon and Wakulla counties).
"We welcome this national recognition for three outstanding trails that are not only valuable recreational resources for Florida residents, but also attract the tourism that is so important to the state," said Jena Brooks, Director of the DEP Office of Greenways & Trails. "In 2009, these state trails, together with Florida's other official state trails and the Cross Florida Greenway, experienced a record visitation of over 4 million visitors statewide, generating an estimated $95 million in economic impact."
The Blackwater Heritage State Trail in Milton is an 8-mile rail-trail which connects to the 1.5-mile Military Heritage Trail managed by the Naval Air Station Whiting Field. The Trail features several creek crossings and abundant native wildflowers for a pleasant tour of the countryside. The Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail-Florida's first state rail-trail-is a 16-mile path from south of the Capital City to the coastal community of St. Marks. Following a peaceful, rural route, the 32-mile paved Nature Coast State Trail connects Cross City, Trenton and Chiefland and features an historic railroad trestle bridge as it crosses the Suwannee River near Old Town.
National Recreation Trails are components of the National Trails System. The inaugural winner of American Trails' "Best Trails State" award, Florida is now home to 29 NRT designated trails and continues to help lead the nation in its commitment to trail development. |
| __________________________________________________________________________________________ | Bike Florida Launches 3rd Season of Touring Along St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop Article by Herb Hiller, herbhiller12@gmail.com
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Exploring Ponce Inlet in Volusia County-Photo by John Moran
On October 2, Bike Florida starts its third year of week-long fall-winter tours along Florida trails and connecting routes. The tours will newly operate from St. Augustine.
Bike Florida is the longest established bicycle touring company in the state.
Tours continue monthly through February along the 260-mile St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop. The tours include a long houseboat drift, a ferry crossing direct to one bed-and-breakfast (B&B), visits to the tallest lighthouse in Florida, to the largest mineralogical museum south of Harvard and to a nationally esteemed steamboat workshop and museum.
Local advocates of green economy meet up with the cyclists. B&Bs and local restaurants supply most overnight stays and meals.
Tour price of $1,795 per person, double occupancy, includes lodgings, breakfasts, dinners, guides, support vehicles, road service, snacks, maps, cue sheets and more.
The route is among a handful of long-distance Florida trails-in-the-making that will appear on the new trails-tourism website that VISITFLORIDA will launch in October.
Bike Florida will close its touring season next March with a mass week-long camping ride.
For details, log onto bikeflorida.org.
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Proposed Nature Coast State Trail Extension Approved
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Photo by John Moran
The DEP Office of Greenways & Trails (OGT) is contracted to purchase a 9.33-mile rail corridor in Gilchrist County, utilizing OGT's Florida Forever acquisition funding. The project was approved by the Governor and Cabinet on Tuesday, June 8, 2010. This corridor, known as the Trenton-Newberry Rail-Trail project, will ultimately serve as an extension of the 31.7-mile Nature Coast State Trail (NCST) that is managed by OGT.
The rail-trail project will begin at the Trenton Depot trailhead and terminate approximately three miles from the town of Newberry. It will traverse a relatively undeveloped portion of Gilchrist County, known as the Wacasassa Flats, to connect with existing sections of the NCST in Dixie and Levy Counties. Thanks to the support of The Trust for Public Land, in cooperation with other state and local agencies, this rail-trail corridor will increase the connectivity of the Nature Coast State Trail as a popular multi-use trail and help benefit the economy of this region. The NCST is a component of Florida's Statewide Greenways and Trails System and was recently designated as a National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
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Florida Bicycle Association's 2010 Trail Manager of the Year
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Bob Ballard (r), Deputy Secretary of DEP's Division of Land and Recreation, congratulates OGT's Gerard Greco (l) on being named the Florida Bicycle Association's 2010 Trail Manager of the Year.
Blackwater Heritage State Trail (BHST) Manager Gerard Greco has received the 2010 Trail Manager of the Year award from the Florida Bicycle Association (FBA). Presented during the ProBikeŽ/ProWalk 2010 Conference held in Lakeland, May 11-13, the FBA awards recognize the efforts and achievements of groups, organizations and individuals that inspire and support people and communities to enjoy greater freedom and well being through bicycling.
One of twenty FBA award recipients to be honored this year, Gerard Greco has worked with the DEP Office of Greenways & Trails (OGT) since 2006 as manager of the BHST in Milton, Santa Rosa County. He works closely with local organizations and the Trail's non-profit citizen support organization, Blackwater Heritage Trail, Inc., on several annual bicycling events such as the "Century" bike ride, which attracts more than 350 cyclists and the popular "Bicycle Festival" featuring a trail ride and showcase of novelty bicycles. Using his diverse skills and involving local volunteers, Gerard works to beautify and enhance the Trail through such activities as removing invasive plants, acquiring a grant for the planting of native wildflowers and the building of a playground and amphitheater.
"Gerard successfully manages this state trail on a lean budget, conserving the state's resources as well as increasing the Trail's attraction for the nearly 90,000 bicyclists and trail users whose visitation benefitted the state's economy this past year," notes Jena Brooks, Director of DEP's Office of Greenways & Trails. "He brings professionalism and many talents to his work with the BHST and we appreciate the recognition of his efforts by our partners at the Florida Bicycle Association."
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Summer Picnics in Honor of Greenways and Trails Volunteers
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Cross Florida Greenway volunteers gathered at the Santos Trailhead for a fish fry and barbecue picnic.
The "lazy, hazy days of summer" Nat King Cole once crooned about offer the perfect opportunity to slow down and take time to show our appreciation for volunteers who work year 'round on Florida's greenways and trails.
National Trails DayŽ, June 5, was the day set to celebrate the Cross Florida Greenway (CFG) volunteers in the Marion County area. More than 100 volunteers enjoyed a treat of freshly caught, fried fish prepared by OGT's Central Region Manager, Mickey Thomason, along with lively music by "The Accelerators" band. Hiking, biking, equestrian and paddling trail volunteers were recognized for their efforts in caring for Florida's premier greenway. Along with maintenance activities, volunteers host events that increase the CFG's visitation, such as the Ride-Roll-Run Relay and the Spring Break Fat Tire Festival. Two new events will premiere in October-see details in the next issue of Connections!
In addition, on July 16, Mickey Thomason and OGT Central Region Assistant Manager,
Chris McKendree, prepared a delicious fish dinner for members of the Withlacoochee State Trail's (WST) Citizen Support Organization (CSO). The "Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee" CSO has contributed much to the WST including restoration of an historic caboose for the Inverness Trailhead, a large maintenance building, a health and fitness circuit and the hosting of the annual October Bike Ride. OGT staff welcomed the opportunity to thank these dedicated volunteers for their long-standing commitment to this rail-trail.
To learn about volunteer activities on the Cross Florida Greenway, contact Trails Coordinator Bre Ximenes in OGT's Ocala office: (352) 236-7143; bre.ximenes@dep.state.fl.us.
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OGT Hosts Adaptive Paddling Workshops
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On-the-water training included assisting a disabled person into a kayak. Photo by Doug Alderson
Manatees rolled over in a flurry of ripples and splashes. Tails flipped into the air and an occasional whiskered snout broke the surface. As the kayak floated past, a young manatee broke away from the group and swam closer. It raised its head above the water and curiously eyed the paddler before returning to its pod.
Such memorable scenes can be the highlight of any paddling journey, but why should such magical experiences leave out people who might have disabilities? In an effort to make paddling sports more accessible, OGT has sponsored two adaptive paddling workshops in the past year. Funded by the federal Recreational Trails Program, the workshops focused on how various types of launch facilities would function for someone in a wheelchair, assisted and unassisted rescues of a paddler who cannot use their legs, and the best ways to assist paddlers with disabilities into and out of kayaks and canoes. Also, types of natural hazards, direction of open water exposures in relation to potential winds (fetch), currents, tides and other paddling conditions were discussed-something that would benefit all types of paddlers.
Mike Passo, a kayak outfitter from Washington State who also happens to use a wheelchair when on land, was the workshop leader. He was assisted by other Universal Trails Assessment Process master trainers Tip Ray and Patti Longmuir. The workshops are designed for both government managers, who plan and design kayak and canoe access points, and outfitters and guides, who bring paddlers into our waterways. OGT will likely offer the next adaptive paddling workshop in the fall. If interested, contact Alexandra (Alex) Weiss at OGT, alexandra.weiss@dep.state.fl.us. |
| __________________________________________________________________________________________ | New Events Excite Paddlers
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Seahorse Key - Photo by Doug Alderson
Strap on your life jackets and get ready for several new kayaking events for the 2010/2011 paddling season. Kicking off the season is the first ever Hidden Coast Paddling Festival September 18-25. Guided paddling trips, kayak demos, evening programs and local seafood are featured. Four Big Bend coastal towns will host segments of the festival, the first being Cedar Key with its first annual kayak fishing tournament, followed by the towns of Suwannee, Horseshoe Beach and Steinhatchee respectively. The lower part of the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail and the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail are the main trails being featured. To learn more, log onto hiddencoast.net.
Paddle Florida, known for its guided group trips on the Suwannee River, has set an ambitious schedule to cover all regions of the state. Between Christmas and New Year's, December 27-30, will be a 36-mile paddling trip down the Wekiva and St. Johns rivers. This is closely followed by the second annual 42-mile Peace River trip over the Martin Luther King holiday weekend, January 14-17. The Florida Keys is on tap for February 18-21, President's Day weekend. And spring break for many college students works in well for the seven-day Ochlockonee River trip in the Big Bend, March 12-18. For more information, log onto paddleflorida.org.
With these new events, paddlers will have more year-round activities to go along with tried and true events such as the always exciting Calusa Blueway Festival October 29-November 7, calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com.
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National Trails DayŽ Features New Florida Trail Gateway Communities
Wakulla County and the cities of Sopchoppy and St. Marks are recognized
The DEP Office of Greenways & Trails joined with the Florida Trail Association, Wakulla County and the USDA Forest Service in celebration of National Trails DayŽ which was sponsored by the American Hiking Society on Saturday, June 5, 2010. In keeping with this year's nationwide "Find Your Happy Place" theme, public agencies, non-profit organizations, outfitters and guides gathered at the Wakulla Station Trailhead of the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail to share information about Big Bend area trails and outdoor recreation opportunities.
As a highlight of the National Trails DayŽ event, the Florida Trail Association recognized the cities of Sopchoppy and St. Marks and Wakulla County as the Florida Trail's newest Gateway Communities--destinations which offer tourism amenities to support the experience of hiking the Florida Trail and offer access to other types of outdoor recreation. The "Gateway" signage for each community was unveiled by (l to r): Deborah Stewart-Kent, Executive Director of the Florida Trail Association; Gail Gilman, City of St. Marks Commissioner; City of St. Marks Mayor Phil Cantner; Wakulla County Commission Chair Howard Kessler and City of Sopchoppy Councilman Richard Harden.
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Vote for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Project: It's "Easy As One!"
Teach Florida students green habits that produce amazing results
DEP's Easy As One project was chosen to be in the running for $25,000 in grant money during August's voting cycle of Pepsi's Refresh Everything Project.
Florida's Foundation (formerly known as the Volunteer Florida Foundation) and DEP teamed up to submit their project: Teach Florida students green habits that produce amazing results. At six collection events, students and the community will collect plastic bags to be recycled, offer shredding and recycling services and collect cell phones for disposal or donation. Each of the six participating schools will receive $1,500 toward making their school green and have an opportunity to earn an additional $7,000! Students statewide can enter a You Tube contest for cash awards.
You can vote every day during August, here's how:
Please share this information with your friends and thank you for helping us teach Florida students easy green habits. |
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Palatka-Lake Butler State Trail Hosts Iron Horse Endurance Runs
Beat the August heat with a look back to February's uncommonly cold weather
Remember the record cold and inclement weather that blanketed much of the nation, including north Florida, early this year? On February 13, 2010, more than 100 runners from throughout the country participated in the 5th annual Iron Horse Endurance Runs. The developing Palatka-Lake Butler State Trail served as the ideal venue for ultrarunners who, this year, not only tested their endurance levels but also their ability to overcome freezing temperatures.
Runners followed a 12.5-mile route along the Trail's unpaved corridor and those who participated in the 100-mile showcase run of this 24-hour event, repeated the 25-mile roundtrip four times. Of the 38 runners who began the 100-miler race, 19 completed the run. Hardy volunteers manned aid stations along the Trail and one group even provided New Orleans style gumbo-a welcome hot meal in keeping with the Mardi Gras season!
Records were set both for Florida temperatures and by several runners who seemed to have "afterburners." Dan Rose of Washington, D.C. broke the record for the 100-miler with a time of 16:35. An excellent "silver buckle" finish of 18:45:45 in the women's group was achieved by Jacksonville's Amy Costa, who had won the race outright in 2008. The human interest story of the day was that of Kelly Luckett who ran the 50-mile race with her artificial leg. In spite of the cold and the difficulties of navigating a rustic path, she proudly made it through 46 miles before having to drop out.
Despite the cold, participants enjoyed the scenic, peaceful setting of the Palatka-Lake Butler State Trail. And you could say that the economic benefits the event brings to this rural area are downright heartwarming. The runners look forward to returning next year when, in all likelihood, Florida's typically mild winter weather will also be back.
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JOIN THE FOUNDATION TODAY!
www.fgtf.org
The Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation (FGTF)
is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation that supports
the goals, missions and programs of the Office of
Greenways & Trails.
Visit fgtf.org to learn more about the FGTF and
how you can join or make a donation to help maintain,
enhance and expand public access to Florida's recreational
and conservation lands. |
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